A caveat by a prominent Liberian that tribal and religious differences in our country could be further compounded by an emerging class struggle bordering on wealth and opportunity acquisition has claimed our attention.

Mr. Amara Konneh, who is Liberia's Finance Minister, sounded the caveat on Friday, July 26, 2013 in the United States of America where he served as the Independence Day Orator.

The US Independence Day Orator observed that this situation is seriously hindering Liberia's progress. He went to point out that tribal bias exists in both private and public sectors, something which he indicated, creates bitterness and hatred amongst rival tribes.

He among other things recalled that ethnic discrimination as witnessed during the country's war years leads to death, and therefore, he urged that it should be stopped to pave way for sustained unity, peace and development.

For us, we are touched by Minister Konneh's caveat, as it is thoughtful and in the right direction.

Undeniably, tribal and religious prejudice as mentioned by the orator had and continue to have damaging impact on our society.

This is why it is very important that we, as a country and people, must begin to take more practical steps aimed at addressing what has been described as the new class war.

We, as a country and people, must leave no stone unturned in denouncing negative vices such as tribal and religious difference, which have proclivity to underpin our existence.

Honestly, it will do us no good as a country and people if we don't shun these negative vices which the orator spoke strongly against.

To this end, let us heed the thoughtful caveat sounded by the orator for the enhancement of our existence as a country and people.