Concord Times (Freetown)
Mariama Coker
4 August 2009
Freetown — Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Liberia and La Cote d' Ivoire, H.E. Rev. Mrs. Marie Jilo Barnett amidst diplomatic corps joined President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in this year's commemoration of the 162nd Independence Day Anniversary of Liberia early this week in Gbarnga City, Bong County.
In her Independence message to that nation at the historic administrative building in Gbarnga, Madam Johnson-Sirleaf said her country has come a long way in meeting the challenges it once faced. She said her administration has energized training programs for 2000 new soldiers and renovated army facilities at Schieffin and Gbarnga Military Barracks.
She noted that Liberia's development agenda was well formulated and in full gear of implementation, adding that her government was close to the end of programs that would bring the country's relief from USD4.9 billion external debt that they inherited. Even though the gains are modest, President Sirleaf maintained that with a longer stretch to national fulfillment, the footpath has been laid for a way forward. She maintained that there has being a big improvement in education with a 40% female enrollment in learning institutions.
As a prove of commitment, she revealed that her government has renovated the University of Liberia, constructed a technical college in Sinje and transformed the Tubman Institution to a University in Maryland County. She disclosed that plans are underway for other institutions in the Counties.
Among other successes her government has scored are pipe borne water and electricity supply and the renovation and construction of more than 215 schools, 30 hospitals and clinics, several administrative buildings, court houses and security facilities throughout the counties. She called on Liberians to redouble their efforts in supporting the government's construction programs.
Climax of the celebrations included a statement on behalf of the diplomatic corps by the doyen of diplomatic corps in Liberia, H.E. Mansour Abdalleh and felicitations from sovereign and heads of state including President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Also, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf awarded, crowned and decorated President Obiany Nyuema Mbasago of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and ECOWAS President, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas as Grand Cordon in the most venerable order of pioneers and Knight and Knight Grand Band in the Humane Order of African Redemption respectively.
Also among the awardees was the oldest Paramount Chief in Bong County, P.C. Flomo Togbah Barworlor who received the award of Grand Commander in Humane Order of African Redemption and National Orator.
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