The NEWS (Monrovia)
Alloycious David
17 June 2008
Monrovia — A visiting US delegation comprising of business, civic and education leaders from the State of Maryland says it will assist with the development needs of Bong County.
The head of the delegation, Madam Sharon R. Pinder told citizens at an official welcoming program in Gbarnga City that they would assist with Bong County's rebuilding program.
Madam Pinder, who is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pinder Group, said the delegation was on a fact-finding mission aimed at identifying areas where the State of Maryland in the United States could assist Bong County.
She said the State of Maryland last August 27, established a sister states relationship with Bong and Maryland Counties via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Maryland's (USA) Governor Martin O' Malley and Superintendents Ranney B. Jackson and Sie Teba Neufville.
Pinder indicated that since the signing of the MOU, the State of Maryland has been working to improve the living condition of Liberians, "but it was now prudent that we come to see for ourselves."
She indicated that the visit is aimed at fostering the sister states relationship which also seeks to revitalize the historic ties between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Liberia.
Speaking at the welcoming program, which attracted several persons representing various districts and tribal groups in Bong County, Superintendent Jackson lauded the delegation and Maryland State Retired Senator Michael Bowen Mitchell for the opportunity afforded his county.
Superintendent Jackson also assured the citizens that the people of the State of Maryland were ready to assist them by undertaking some development projects in their communities.
Prior to his remarks, the head of the delegation presented Superintendent Jackson a gift and a personal letter from the Governor of the State of Maryland, where he had worked and resided for 14 years.
The delegation also presented several items including the flag of the State of Maryland, pencils, notepads, among others, to the people of Bong County.
Members of the delegation included retired Senator Michael Bowen Mitchell, Madam Annette Smith Rich, CEO of Rich Roofing LCC and Dr. Emmanuel Acquah, Executive Director of International Programs, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
Others are Morris T. Koffa, Environmental Engineer, Department of the Environment Government of the District of Columbia; Dr. Joseph T. Isaac, Executive Director of Baltimore City Community College and Madam Biah Kun, Registered Nurse at the Washington Hospital Center.
The delegation was headed by Sharon R. Pinder, CEO of Pinder Group while Dr. Robert L. Wallace, President and CEO of the BithGroup and Dr. P. Bai Akridge, Interim Executive Director of Higher Education for Development served as Co-Chair on Commerce and Education.
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