10 June 2009
Monrovia — Unveiling what is now known as Liberia’s first class hotel, American Millionaire Robert L. Johnson minced no words in heaping praises on the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and also expressing the need for improvement of the investment climate in Liberia so as to encourage more investments and give Liberians employment opportunities.
More than that, he was upbeat that he has managed to bring such development business to a country still nursing the deep wounds of almost fifteen years of fratricidal war.
He told journalists: “We are very excited about our investment in Liberia; we are confident that Liberia has the leadership, talent and commitment from government and citizens to create a vibrant economy that will rise to a successful middle-class and a nation that will both politically stable.”
He is also hopeful that the unveiling of the development initiative in Liberia will go a long way in encouraging transparency in government and the rule of law, two of the major enticing factors for investments.
“It is our goal that Liberia will become an economic gateway to economic development in West Africa and beyond and we rekindle the long ties that existed between the people of the United States and the people of Liberia,” Mr. Johnson indicated and bequeathed his commitment in the attainment of this goal.
Another important factor about such project is the job opportunities afforded Liberians and other nationals who are weighed by the scourge of the global economic crisis, and Mr. Johnson recognized that when paid tribute to them.
“On thing that is more impressive is the dedication and commitment of the RLJ Kendeja hotel staff,” he said knowing fully that he has to rely on the expertise of the staff of Hotel to achieve his dream of getting back what he has invested in the project because “without committed and dedicated staff, the whole project will doom,” observers say.
Yesterday, ceremony for the official opening/unveiling of the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas took place exactly two years after the marathon groundbreaking.
The erection of the multi-million five-star hotel on Liberian soil, the first post-conflict initiative, courtesy of the good leadership capability of President Ellen Johnson, in a place once used for Liberian cultural empowerment and advancement caused political upheaval with opposition leaders accusing the government of killing Liberian culture and questioned why did not the government chose another area for the project.
In a pre-unveiling of Hotel statement issued, the management of the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas indicated that it will play a critical role in the national reconstruction and economic development efforts put forth President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“I believe passionately that African Americans have a responsibility to support Liberia and it is important to ensure that President Sirleaf succeeds in her ongoing efforts in rebuilding Liberia,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas are located on 13-acres of ocean front property with 16 villas and 78 rooms along with two presidential suites. Overlooking Ocean, it has been tested security wise and in other capacities. There are dozens of Liberians in its employ who have undergone at least five months intensive training guided of experienced experts.
Commenting on other issues, Mr. Johnson, Chairman of the RLJ Companies said he is committed to other development projects in Liberia, but did not say they will be.
He said he intends to talk with the Liberian leader to ask her for her priorities, where he could be helpful to her.
“We think that Liberia is on growth trajectory that would lead to much more capacities such as hotel and other business needs,” Mr. Johnson said in response to a reporter’s inquiry.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 The Analyst. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
