21 August 2007
The Governor of the State of Maryland (USA), Mr. Martin O'Malley, will be hosting Signing Ceremony, officially establishing the sister state relationship between the state of Maryland (USA) and Bong County and Maryland County, Republic of Liberia.
Among prominent Liberians scheduled to attend the program is James Nan Larsah, Jr., who received an invitation from Gov. O'Malley, through the Office of the Secretary of State, early last week.
Recently James Larsah was part of a group of Liberians hailing from either of the two counties or associating with the birth of the sister state relationship, who held meetings with the former Secretary of State of Maryland as well as the former Secretary for Economic Development under the then administration of Gov. Robert Erhlich.
It was pursuant to the spirit of this bilateral relationship that a delegation of Maryland State government officials and private business investors made a trip to Liberia couple of months ago.
They met with Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf and government officials, and visited some strategic economic areas, including the Freeport of Monrovia. A detailed tour of the port facilities was conducted, with a keen focus on establishing trading links.
Particular interest was shown in the agricultural industry of Liberia, with emphasis on fisheries, since, as it is commonly known, Maryland is a seafood state or "Crab State."
Some of the vital economic development and cultural issues that have been under discussion include the development of the Maryland County fisheries sector into an economically viable hotbed, and the Kpatawee Waterfull in Gbarnga, Bong County, into a tourist attraction for both local and international travelers.
Other areas are traditional cultural and educational partnership programs such as students/professors/medical doctors exchange program. These aspirations are anticipated to feature permanently in the implementation of the goals of the agreement.
The sister state relationship is designed to benefit all parties signatory to the agreement. Its final dawn, as evidenced by the impending signing ceremony, is certainly a testament to the skillful diplomacy of Liberia's Ambassador Charles Minor.
This is also a genuine commitment of the Liberian government to building unity among all Liberians and seeking their economic wellbeing. Indeed, it is a product of cooperation and the recognition of our common interest, as well as a tribute to all those who have helped to bring the dream to reality.
Other participants expected at the signing ceremony are Ambassador Minor, Dr. J. Mamadee Woahtee who might otherwise be on a job trip, Gerald Cooper, Joe Nimely, the Superintendents of Bong and Maryland Counties, Senators Franklin O. Siakor of Bong County and John Ballout of Maryland County among others.
Mr. Larsah, a long standing member of the Baltimore-Gbarnga sister cities Committee,said the signing ceremony will be hosted in the Governor reception room in the Maryland State House in the political Capital of Annapolis, starting at 10:00 O'clock in the morning.
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