Government Town Hall meeting was a great success in Minnesota
JNWilson
"In union strong success is sure we cannot fail."
Differences and disagreements are inevitable in every human relationship, in every community, and in every nation, but they need not be used at the detriment of human relationships, a community, and a nation. The Liberian National Anthem cautions against the culture of differences and disagreements in this melodious encouragement, "In Union Strong success is sure we cannot fail."
The initiatives of the Liberian Government to reach out to the Diaspora Liberian Community are commendable; the intention to keep the Diaspora Liberian Community informed of Government's development programs and initiatives, successes and failures is a positive direction for Liberia. In recent years, the Government of Liberia has sent delegations to meet with the Diaspora Liberian Community and Vice President Joseph Boikai himself visited several times to explain the Liberian Government development programs and initiatives. I always attend these events because I value Liberia's future and also because of my Church and Civil Society companionship orientation that fosters reconciliatory relationships building and collaboration.
I attended the October 5, 2013 Government Town Hall meeting hosted by the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota and held at the Brooklyn United Methodist Church. I was disappointed the event did not start at 4:30pm as was planed but glade that it was not cancelled. The Town Hall meeting was not only informative about the Liberian Government's development programs and initiatives since 2006, but it also and most importantly answered questions, cleared doubts, and provided hope for Liberia's future. The Liberian delegates - Minister Lewis Brown, Press Secretary Jerolinmek Piah, and Liberian Embassy representative Gabriel Williams - attended the Town Hall meeting well prepared; I was indeed happy and pleased with what I saw with my own eyes. As a Southeasterner and National President of Marylanders in the Diaspora, I am pleased that roads network is beginning to take shape in the Southeastern Region of Liberia connecting the Southeastern Counties of River Gee, Maryland, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, and Grand Kru. I was also happy to hear good news about Kakata-Gbarnga High Way, and electricity initiatives that would benefit Nimba, Lofa, and other parts of Liberia. Technology is indeed on the rise and I am glade Liberia is benefiting. I am glade that human capital development is prioritized in Liberia with schools and colleges. It was exciting to hear that Liberia's Healthcare system is being revitalized, and the air and sea ports of Liberia are being prioritized as well. Minister Lewis Brown did an excellent job in his presentation and I am happy that I was there and also happy that other Liberians were there for the presentation. Unfortunately, Minister Brown did not end because of time. Amidst disagreements, however, a collaboration between the Liberian Government and the Liberian Diaspora Community needs to be encouraged.
We all know (or should know) that to restore the years the locusts have eaten is a difficult and challenging process; a process that needs the support and cooperation of every Liberian. A responsible stewardship and governance is fundamental if the Liberian Government must succeed in its development plans. Thanks to the Liberian Government for sending another delegation to engage the Diaspora Liberian Community. The Government Town Hall meeting was a great success in Minnesota and I want to personally thank Minister Brown and his delegation, OLM for organizing, and the Methodist Church for hosting. Liberia needs us; let us not seek its downfall, but to support Liberia's future. With the thousands of Liberians residing in the Diaspora, a dollar per person every month will contribute to Liberia's future. May God bless us and bless Liberia.
Fr. James Nyebe Wilson, II
Advocate, Church and Civil Society Companionship
Minnesota