MONROVIA – When it was first announced by the George Manneh Weah administration that it would undertake a series of activities celebrating 200 years of Liberia’s founding, misgivings spread all over the place particularly amongst cynics that it was mere ruling party fiesta in Montserrado county and its environs. But a number of ceremonies soon began to prove skeptics wrong. The press conference to announce the theme and motto in 2021, which many would admit was electrifying, was followed by another momentous event—the kickoff held at the Providence Island attracting swarms of citizens and residents. Then came on Monday, February 14, the earthshattering Grand Launch of the Bicentennial at the SKD Sports Stadium overflowed by participants and attendees drawn from the 15 counties of Liberia, several African Countries and from Europe and the United States at the highest level of representations. Many Liberians say they are feeling overwhelmed by emotions seeing Liberia hosting such a thrilling and historical ceremony. It seems no one is so grateful to those who graced the occasion and made it happen than the Chief Executive of the Country, who took up time to put out a special statement to say “thank you” to all and sundry. The Analyst reports.
An apparently overly elated President George Manneh Weah has released a special statement lavishing commendations and gratitude to Liberians and foreign delegates who graced the launch of the country’s Bicentennial Anniversary ceremony held Monday, February 24 at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Stadium.
The assembly was extremely huge—others say Liberia has not hosted such a gathering in decades—as all seats of the 35,000-seater stadium and the perimeters of the sports pitch jostled with attendees.
Swarms of other Liberians who could not enter the jam-parked football field watched from the outside parts of the stadium.
To show his gratitude for the attendance by people within and without of the country, the President sent out a special appreciation statement, saying he was filled with joy that the occasion was copiously attended.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all Liberians for the successful launch of the Bicentennial celebration on Monday, February 14 to commemorate 200 years of our existence as a nation,” said the Chief Executive barely 24 hours after the program.
He added: “Our collective determination to celebrate two centuries of shared history, despite our diversity, shows our strength of purpose as a nation. We must now use the enthusiasm of the occasion as a launchpad to reset our development drive.”
He extended special thanks to his colleagues to flew into the country to attend the program.
The President said: “I am thankful to His Excellency Julius Madaa Bio, President of Sierra Leone; His Excellency Faure Gnassingbe, President of Togo; His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum President of Niger; and His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia.”
He also extended his commendations and gratitude to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria, and all those who represented their governments and institutions for coming to celebrate with Liberia.
“We remain thankful for the strong partnership and enduring support we continue to receive from our friends and neighbors,” President Weah said in the special statement on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
Dr. Weah further asserted: “My appreciation also goes to His Excellency Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States for sending a high-level American delegation to participate in the ceremonies, in which the U.S. has as much stake as Liberia. Let me also thank the government and people of the United States for the 55 million United States dollars grant support to our health sector.”
He expressed his hope that this Bicentennial will rekindle and solidify bond of friendships, as Liberia strives to build on shared values of good governance and democracy.
The President also commended First Lady Clar Marie Weah, who he said has been his pillar of support, and whose wise counsel he values immensely.
The Liberian President thanked Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, calling her a staunch political ally and partner in the quest to rebuild Liberia, and also acknowledged the National Legislature which he said played a very pivotal role in the lead up to Monday’s ceremony; supporting the national agenda as they passed related bills for the smooth organization of the event and for their support for the first phase of the renovation and restoration of the Executive Mansion.
He continued: “It will be remiss of me therefore not to appreciate them, as much as we appreciate the National Steering Committee for the wonderful planning and execution of the launch. I am hoping we can use the significance of the day as a turning point in our development drive.”
The President used the statement to call on the opposition leaders to join him in this effort, adding: “In spite of our different political persuasions, we can work together in the national interest. I am thankful they heeded our invitation and attended yesterday’s ceremony. This demonstrates that Liberians can work together in spite of our individual leanings.”
He also recognized the roles of religious and business communities, student groups and all those who formed part of the occasion.
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