-Described criticism as unfair
Stand has strongly objected to and considered unfair the remarks made by the National Orator during Liberia's 177th Independence Day commemoration.
During her oration, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey described the longstanding historical ties between Liberia and the United States as an "outsized influence" and a "so-called special relationship."
She further criticised the United States' recognition of Liberia's independence as a "bad product" of the Liberia-America relationship.
According to STAND, this analysis demonstrates a lack of historical understanding and disregards the religious, moral, political, economic, and social benefits that this relationship has provided to Liberia.
In a press statement issued over the weekend, STAND said it finds it ironic that the United States, a nation that has supported Liberia throughout its pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict periods, was subjected to such unfounded criticism. Despite providing millions in development assistance annually, the US government also opened their arms and borders to thousands of Liberians during the civil war and has ALWAYS SUPPORTED Liberia in positive endeavours. Stand finds the Orator's remarks both baseless and unjust towards the US.
It noted that the negative characterization of this special relationship by the Orator echoes a dangerous anti-American sentiment rooted in a radical ideology that fails to appreciate the extensive support the United States government has given to Liberia, far surpassing any other development partner.
Such rhetoric, STAND said is designed to undermine the well-being of ordinary Liberians, whose livelihoods are significantly supported by U.S. development assistance. The Orator's deliberate distortion of facts tacitly endorses bad governance in Liberia, which has led to widespread poverty, inadequate social services, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of accountability.
STAND unequivocally asserts that America is not responsible for Liberia's challenges. Liberian leaders are primarily responsible for crafting policies to improve living standards. Unfortunately, successive governments have failed in this national duty.
"Our Independence Day celebration should be an opportunity for national renewal, particularly given Liberia's divisions, as reflected in election results, wealth and income disparities, and widening poverty gaps. The Orator's attempt to alienate Liberia from its key international development partner on such a solemn occasion raises serious concerns," it said.
STAND questions how it is America's fault when our leaders engage in corruption, pass illegitimate concessions, mismanage resources, allow illicit drugs into the country, fail to hold criminals accountable, and neglect the hopes of citizens. Should Liberians blame America for these issues rather than their leaders?
Further, STAND questions how the United States is responsible for the poor conditions at JFK Hospital and the overall healthcare system, our failure to invest in agriculture, the poor state of our roads, and the shortcomings in our education system. The National Orator should have held Liberia's leaders accountable instead of shifting blame.
The civil society group added that the United States has provided training for our military, funded healthcare with American tax dollars, and supported essential drug supplies. Since 2003, the United States has spent $2.4 billion in development assistance to Liberia through the State Department and USAID. They have also provided training and capacity building for our justice system, which has repeatedly failed to address corruption and hold perpetrators accountable.
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STAND, however, urged Liberian citizens to ignore the Orator's unfair and radical rhetoric against the United States Government, as it undermines our national interests. As the adage goes, "While being carried on the shoulders of the United States, it would be unwise to complain about its armpit."
The United States remains our premier development partner, and the Liberian people, who are grateful for their sustained assistance, will not be misled by a transient or 'fly-by-night' Orator who sows discord before leaving the country.
