Liberia: ‘Health Workers Are Heroes’

— US Amb. McCarthy

The US Ambassador Michael McCarthy has paid tribute to Liberian health workers for their effort in combating the outbreak of COVID-19 across the country.

Speaking at an early celebration of the US Independence Day, held in Monrovia on June 30, Amb. McCarthy noted that Liberia has been spared much of the tragedy experienced by the US due to the hard work of its health workers.

“We can be here together today in person due to the tireless and courageous work of Liberian health workers working hand-in-hand with US and international partners to educate, vaccinate, and assist vulnerable populations,” McCarthy said. “They are heroes, and I would like to recognize their contributions with a round of applause from all of us,” he said. 

“We have provided more than 1.5 million doses of vaccines, along with research, program support, and expert advisors. But it’s not just COVID-19. Health assistance is our largest investment in Liberia, and it manifests in critical support for medicine and building of capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.”

The investments, the Ambassador noted, are intended to build upon a partnership that defeated Ebola and the teamwork that is well prepared for future public health emergencies.

He added that the relationship that exists between Liberia and the United States encompasses a deep friendship between our “societies, reflected in our strong people-to-people ties, from USAID to Peace Corps.” He expressed the relationship between the two countries as analogous to family relationships, where siblings help each other, defend each other, criticize each other, and celebrate together. 

“I’m proud this afternoon to stand with a fellow republic — a democracy that, like us, is required to listen to the people in a never-ending effort to become a more perfect union,” said Amb. McCarthy. “Both countries lived through terrible civil wars and they came out the other end as more equal societies.”

McCarthy added that because of those years of chaos, Liberians understand the importance of peace and the value of human rights more than most people.

“I suspect that awareness is what inspired Liberia’s vote at the United Nations calling out the unprovoked and barbaric war instigated by Russia against Ukraine and fuels Liberia’s courageous statements in defense of oppressed people currently imprisoned in concentration camps,” he said. “It is an honor to stand with Liberia on a day like today when we highlight the ideals from which our countries were created.”

In brief remarks, President George Weah extolled the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, describing it as historic and mutually rewarding. Weah then deeply reflected on how far the bond of friendship between the two sovereign nations has come as he extended his warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to US President Joe Biden and the American people as they commemorate the birth of the American nation on July 4.

He reflected on the fond history that has tied the two countries together in what he termed a “special bond of relations in which we share a commonality in politics, religion, culture, and a strong belief in the value of the rule of law, liberal democracy, and human rights.”

"How much we share in the American story has been publicly documented for generations, and we remain proud of the unique friendship that has evolved,” said Weah.

He reassured the U.S. of Liberia’s commitment to the historical ties that have existed between both countries for more than two centuries.