Dr. Pailey’s Assertion On US-Liberia Relations: Liberian Intellectuals Share Mixed Views By: Yassah J Wright

Four brilliant Liberian intellectual scholars on Monday, July 29, 2024, shared perspectives on Liberia 177th Independence Day oration allegation regarding the United States benefiting more than what Liberia has received from its and the embarrassing walking away of US Charge d’ Affairs amid United States-Liberia relations. The four political scholars include, political commentator, Abdullah Kiatamba, renowned Liberian economist, Samuel Jackson, centennial student leader, Mr. Varney A. Jarsey and War and Economic Crime Court activist, Valdemi Patrick of Liberia. In a scholarly debate on a local talk show in Monrovia, the intellectuals were asked to share their perspectives on the various topic but not limited to ‘’ The governance of the state under President Joseph N. Boakai approximately six months in administration; the oration speech delivered by 177th Independence Day orator, Dr. Emmanuel RobtelNeajailPailey, particularly the walking out of the US Charge d’ Affairs and the allegation against the United States on Liberia’’. Providing his perspective, Liberia renowned economist Samuel Jackson, affectionate called Sam, said that the orator demonstrated inexperience to unite while terming her statement as divisive, undiplomatic and anti-American. According to him, America has been a sustainable traditional and trusted alley to Liberia, therefore, it’s very premature for the orator to alleged that America has benefited more than what Liberia has received without providing any research date to substantive her argument. For his part, Political Commentator, Abdullah Kiatamba, termed the speech as a great one but argued that such as individual remarks and assertion doesn’t have the propensity to derail the longstanding traditional and historical diplomatic relationship that Liberia and America enjoy. ‘’ What the orator was telling Liberian is that, there is nothing like special relationship between Liberia and the United States therefore, when Liberia are negotiating with America, they should prioritize their interest and demand. Also, I think she should has blamed our leaders who are Liberia greatest threat than just accusing America. Our leader harm this country the most,’’ he concluded.Sharing his view, Centennial Students leader, Mr. Varney A. Jarsey extolled the Liberian government for providing what he described as ‘’ independent mind’’ to speak to the hearts and souls of Liberia, alluding with the orator that America has exploited and benefited from Liberian more than what Liberia has received. According to him, the US$ 133 million that the United States government claimed to give to Liberia that it has special diplomatic ties with is unfair when the United States is spending us$4 billion in Zambia and other countries.

He said that United States has modern and renowned university built in Ghana and other countries in Africa but in Liberia, they don’t have a single educational facility here to build Liberian capacity, adding that they provided Liberia outdated development infrastructure like the Airport and other that was modernized by China. ‘’it’s true that the US spending on Liberia but those money are taking back to America by ex-patria that they sent behind those funds. The United States opinion is powerful here as President of Liberia. America should work with Liberia and see Liberia as a partner. Liberia should be the reason why all countries in Africa should revisit their relations with the US. Finally, War and Economic Crime Court activist, Valdemi Patrick disagreed with the United States statements terming the oration address as divisive, and urged the US government to upheld what its preaches on paper. According to him, the action by the United States representative doesn’t reflect the diplomatic etiquee on America, adding that the walking out took away the importance of the message. Meanwhile, the Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLT) has termed Liberia 177th Independence Day oration message delivered by Dr. Robtel Nejail Pailey as partially label, emotionally undiplomatic and underdevelopment blame game against the United States. Speaking, the VOLT standard bearer, Dr. Jeremiah Z. Whapoe said that the speech was very undiplomatic and has the propensity to create flame in Liberia current relationship with the United States and destroy the embryo democracy of President Joseph N. Boakai. He noted that Foreign Policy in the diplomatic space is all about self-interest and it has to with a country pushing it agenda and accepting what befitting its therefore, Liberia as an independent country as clamed should understand that and exercise it. Dr. Whapoe Liberia claimed to be independent of its own since 1847 and as an independent state, it has sovereignty to take decision of its own and stand with and by it. ‘’ If Liberia is an independent nation as claimed, I just don’t know why the orator should be blaming America for Liberia underdevelopment and failure. If Liberia gained independence since 1847 and still blaming America, let agree that we are not independent and submitting ourselves to colonization. Which of course I don’t think you and myself prepare for that. Liberia should think beyond blame game and forester development for ourselves’’ Dr. Whapoe asserted. The two times defeated Presidential candidate lamented that, it’s not America that says Liberia should be corrupt, and if Liberian will be blamed America for Liberia underdevelopment, Liberian should also admit that our leaders are corrupt and America is a country that doesn’t support corruption. He further indicated that he stands will Liberia and historically, Liberia has done and continue to do a lot for Liberia while stating that Liberia is exercising extrinsic motivation instead of intrinsic motivation because extrinsic blames people.

‘’ All Liberia should do is to create the right policies. Put it down and see if America will not go for it. What Liberian do to put this country together should be the concern instead of shifting blame. If we can fight corruption internally, let do it so we can be taken serious. People who steal and corrupt us are the people we continue to elect and celebrate’’ he stated. Dr. Whapoe suggested that Liberia should be thinking about creating a prescription developmental corporate social responsibility plan for Multinational Corporation that are in the country and operating, adding that it will helps to develop the country hastily.  ‘’ This is about understanding Liberia situation from the context in which it exists. We need not to blame anybody and so, I think that the orator is behaving like a child who reaches eighteen years and still wants to live with father at home. Liberia is not a kid and we can’t be. We are independent and if America will deal with us, it has to be on mutual respect and share benefit’’ he concluded. House Seeks Amendment On Liberia Mineral, Mining Laws The House of Representatives Chairman on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, Eugine JM Kollie, has requested legislative approval for the amendment of key sections of the 2000 Mineral and Mining Laws of Liberia. According to a statement issued by the House Press Bureau, Representative Kollie wants amendment of sections 4.2, 6.6, 8.2, and 17.1 respectively. According to him, it has been more than 24 years since the last revision was adopted and approved. He said the prolonged duration makes sections 4.2, 6.6, 8.2 and 17.1 including other relevant sections of this law to not be in conformity with standardized international best practices of the governance of the minerals and mining sectors of Liberia. The Lawmaker said as per the current laws, foreign nationals are open to acquire Class B Mining License in Liberia, this is hindering ordinary Liberians from fairly competing in semi-industrial mining activities. The House of Representatives Chairman on Lands, Mines, Natural Resources and Environment who is also Bounty County District 5 Representative said it puts Liberians at the disadvantage of foreigners who are reportedly milking the country’s minerals. He said many countries within the sub-region have revised the reported practice and their citizens are benefiting from such revision. Representative Kollie said the proper governance of mineral resources has the propensity to strengthen economic growth and promote holistic development. Elaborating in leadership Wednesday, 31 July Hon. Kollie said consequent to the review and amendment of the mining Law, the Government of Liberia shall adopt and take cease of the following policy as a strong recommendation from the 55th Legislature. He listed the recommendations as follow: 1. That there will be no Alliance to own a Class B mining License in Liberia, like our surrounding regions. 2. A Liberian shall serve as the General Manager to every Class A company within this republic 3. Government to consider acquiring majority shares (51%) of every Class A and B Companies.  4. Government shall have the right to terminate a mineral right for non-performance companies.  5. Section 6.6 F, where companies will prioritize local businesses (Equipment) instead of purchasing out of Country Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is poised to take an immediate action surrounding the plea of one of its members upon resumption of its 3rd Quarter.