A CLASSY EXIT -Paye’s Parting Words Amidst Uncertainty

MONROVIA – In a remarkable display of grace and professionalism, former Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye has turned over the reins of office to his successor, cataloging his achievements and expressing gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Ministry’s staff, despite his sudden removal from office under unclear circumstances. Paye’s departure has sparked intense speculations, with some attributing it to his opposition to the president’s mineral deal with HPX, while others suspect foul play. However, in a dignified farewell address, Paye chose to focus on his accomplishments and the future of the Ministry, rather than dwelling on the circumstances of his exit.

Outgoing Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye has outlined a myriad of achievements during his tenure, despite being suddenly axed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai without explanation.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony, Paye thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and praised the staff for their cooperation.

The Minister highlighted the revival of the secondment program, which has placed 114 young geologists and mining engineers with companies.

According to Paye, the program was reviewed and revitalized last year, with the objective of making sure it continues beyond his tenure.

“The results we are getting are encouraging,” he said.

Paye also indicated his administration introduced a technical student program, with a policy and selection process already developed.

“Once a student gets to the junior class, they can have the privilege to be enrolled into the program once they meet a certain GPA requirement,” he explained. “This allows them employment opportunities immediately upon graduation.”

According to him, the Ministry has developed an internship and vacation school program.

Paye encouraged the team to continue fighting to promote the mining and energy sectors, emphasizing that people are watching their actions.

“Everywhere you are, whatever you are doing, people are watching you,” he said. “Don’t think you are not being watched.”

He also expressed hope that the new management team would follow up on initiatives, such as reviewing the salary scale across government, to ensure that directors, assistant directors, and engineers receive equal pay.

The outgoing Minister expressed his gratitude to President Boakai for entrusting him with the role, noting that public service is a privilege.

“I want to thank personally the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., who gave us the privilege to serve our country,” Paye said. “Of the more than five million people in the Republic of Liberia, to have been selected and entrusted to manage two important sectors of our economy is a privilege like no other privilege.”

Paye likened public service to wearing a borrowed coat, saying, “The one lending to you is the one that determines when he or she can request it. They can even see you walking in the street and say, please give me my coat. That’s why when you are wearing a borrowed coat, you wear a t-shirt under it so by the time they say, please give me my coat, you can say here is it.”

The Minister also thanked various stakeholders, including the mining sector, Chamber of Commerce, civil society, and the media, for their support during his tenure.

He expressed optimism about Liberia’s future, emphasizing the country’s potential for transformation and the need for continued efforts to promote development.

“We are leaving the Ministry, but we are in the Republic of Liberia,” Paye said. “We remain interested in seeing not just a ministry standing here, but the dream, the vision we have to establish will remain alive.”