British Red Cross is absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with the Liberian National Red Cross Society, which has proven to be a reliable partner, the visiting Chief Executive of the BRC said Saturday.

Sir Nick Young - Head of British Red Cross Delegation

Sir Nick Young, leading a two man BRC delegation on a five day assessment visit here, said, he is highly impressed with the implementation of projects funded by the British Red Cross (BRC) in Liberia.

"I am absolutely impressed by the implementation of projects by the Liberian Red Cross. We are interested in what you do, but I am utmost interested in what we pay for it.

The BRC is extremely impressed and delighted with this partnership," Sir Nick said Saturday when he toured Community Based Health/TB projects implemented by the LNRCS in several communities in rural Montserrado and Margibi Counties.

He described the implementation of BRC's funded projects in Liberia as "fantastic" saying the LNRCS has proven to be a very strong and reliable partner of the BRC. The BRC, he said, has played a part in helping the LNRCS to become strong in Liberia. Sir Young praised the efforts of the leadership of the Liberian Red Cross and pledged more support to the LNRCS.

The BRC delegation Saturday toured CBHP projects in the two counties to assess the LNRCS' intervention and its impact on rural communities. Communities visited included Wakorlor and Bensonville in Montserrado County and Vatikehta and Gbormorkoita in Margibi County. Sir Young and delegation are evaluating the CBHP Program leading to the possible restructuring of the program. The British Red Cross is also one of the major donors of the program.

The delegation Sunday attended the LNRCS' Third Quarter Program Review Meeting in Monrovia. The BRC delegation will on Monday visit the LNRCS' Child Advocacy and Rehabilitation (CAR) Center in Brewerville to inspect the project and interact with the beneficiaries.

The BRC is leading a five year strategic restructuring program. One of the major objectives of the visit is to explore possibilities of how the LNRCS will fit into the plan leading to a possible five year support. The visit will afford the delegation a clear insight of the LNRCS programs and activities, giving the BRC an understanding that will enable it to determine priority areas for increased support.

The British Red Cross is working in partnership with the LNRCS in the areas of organizational development, child advocacy and rehabilitation, community based health and water and sanitation.

Sir Young has been chief executive of the British Red Cross since July 2001. As chief executive, he heads a senior management team of 11 directors who lead on the charity strategy and implementation of policies laid down by the board. He has focused closely on the charity's core services - emergency response at home and overseas, delivering community care services which meet the needs of vulnerable people in the neighborhoods, and educating people in life saving skills.