US Ambassador Draws Government’s Attention to Citizens’ Welfare

Liberia celebrates its 174^th Independence on Monday, July 26.  Among all other holidays, Independence Day is quite special in the lives of all citizens that they need to celebrate joyously in the spirit of patriotism.

As Liberians prepare for the celebration next Monday, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy, has extended greetings on behalf of the Joe Biden Administration and the American people, acknowledging the bilateral partnership between Liberia and the US but raising questions about good governance and wondering how the government and people of Liberia are upholding values associated with good governance.

In a release containing the Ambassador’s greetings, it states “As the United States knows so well, upholding these shared values takes constant effort and a renewed commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all. We are not perfect – we must continually ask ourselves difficult questions. As a government: Are we putting the needs and ambitions of our citizens first? Are we doing so with an eye towards equality and inclusion, and an ear towards the most underserved communities? How can we drive a dynamic economy while also making sure that everyone gets a fair chance to benefit from the prosperity? Are we doing enough to ensure the next generation is better off than this one?”

Ambassador McCarthy further indicated that the relation between Liberia and the US has part of its history to the Days of President Abraham Lincoln during which the two countries consolidated their ties and have been working side-by-side as they strive to address the above questions raised.

Counting some humanitarian activities the US is implementing in Liberia, the Ambassador noted: “Whether it is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, or USAID partnering with the Ministry of Health and private clinics to stem this current wave of COVID-19; or the Millennium Challenge Corporation leading the reconstruction of the Mt. Coffee Hydropower plant; or the Department of Defense working alongside the Armed Forces of Liberia to be partners for good; or the Mandela Washington Fellows connecting virtually with U.S. universities this summer to learn skills to benefit their communities here; or the dozens of other connections that Americans and Liberians make every day: our actions consistently demonstrate that we deeply value our relationship with Liberia and the Liberian people.”Assuring Liberia of the US commitment to the relations between the two countries, Ambassador McCarthy quoted US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who said, “The United States proudly stands with our Liberian partners as you celebrate Independence Day. We remain committed to our partnership with Liberia as it strives to strengthen democratic principles and enhance economic growth and investment.”