Buchanan Port Gets New Director

Civicus Barsigiah, the man who was recently appointed as Director of the Port of Buchanan, by National Port Authority Managing Director Bill Twehway, has been inducted into office. 

The ceremony took place during the weekend at the Buchanan port facility in Grand Bassa County.  Mr. Barsigiah replaces Charles D. Gull, who admitted to a preliminary investigation of stealing US$300,000 from the port. Mr. Gull later absconded after he was declared wanted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) on charges of corruption. 

In a brief induction speech, Mr. Barsigiah extolled President George Weah and NPA Managing Director Twehway for the confidence to serve his country, while assuring that he would work to provide sound leadership that would see transformation at the port.   

“I’m grateful to this President for trusting me. I’m grateful to this man for seeing me as his son and brother. I’m grateful to this man for leaving all his responsibilities to become President of Liberia”, Barsigiah said. 

He continued: “I’m grateful to Mr. Twehway who had not seen me before, who had not known me before. I know people must have said bad things about me, but being a father, he took me in. I served as executive management consultant and now manager for the port of Buchanan”. 

Buchanan Port Operations Director, Oretha Myers, who had been acting as Port Manager, used the occasion to rubbish rumors that she supported a group that opposed news of Barsigiah’s appointment.  “There was news that I had gathered some men to ridicule you. It’s not true. I promise to work with you” Barsigiah and the Operations Director were gowned in recognition of their services to the country. 

NPA board chair, Bishop Matthew Gueh who administered the oath of office, urged the newly inducted Manager to do what would foster peace and harmony among the employees.  “As you take office, I will give you counsel. That is, we need peace at the Port of Buchanan. The peace will start with you and end with you. There will be opposition, but you need to see everyone equally."

Earlier, NPA Managing Director Twehway expressed joy that a typical Bassa man has taken over to manage the Buchanan port, a statement that reflects tribalism that contradicts Article 5 © of the Liberian Constitution. The Article prohibits tribalism and all other discriminatory vices. He urged Barsigiah to use his leadership expertise to ignite peace and harmony among employees.

“From the time I started coming here, I have never seen, I stand to be corrected, a typical Bassa man becomes a manager. I want to say today we have a typical Bassa man as the new port manager for the Port of Buchanan. We want you to be humble and come down to the level of the people.  The Bassa people expect more of you. We want this place to be peaceful. We don’t want any confusion here. We want you to work with everybody," Mr. Twehway said.  

Barsigiah holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Change from the St Edwards Catholic University, United States of America. He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the Huston Tillotson University, United States of America. He attended Cuttington University from 2004 to 2007 before departing Liberia for the US. An acclaimed scholar, the new port director has several national and international leadership and excellence awards to his credit.

Prior to his appointment at the Buchanan port, he served as the executive management consultant at the National Port Authority. The enviable improvements at the seaport industry including the construction of the first NPA corporate headquarters is also credited to Barsigiah’s leadership expertise provided over the years.