When the Internet got swamped recently by the unsightly photos of the grass-infested lawns of the Liberian embassy in Washington, D.C., the wrath of Liberians at home and abroad was righteously provoked, with many calling on the Government of Liberia to immediately take seize of the situation by manicuring the overgrown shrub that was turning the Liberian Embassy into a mini forest. Despite the calls and criticisms, nothing was done to remedy the ugly situation until a Liberian businessman who runs a landscaping company based out in north Virginia rushed to the rescue and mowed the embassy lawn free of charge.
Liberian agronomist and agro technologist Solomon Chukuma Hedd-Williams who owns an established commercial landscape company with operations in Northern Virginia, who obviously got tired of seeing photos of the grassy Embassy, sent his crew to mow the grounds.
It is reported that when Mr. Williams was approached on the reason behind his action, he coolly responded by paraphrasing a popular quote attributed to former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
“It’s not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for the country abroad or even at home. Being the owner of a company that provides such a service, I found it an obligation to do just that,” Mr. Williams is quoted as saying.
Embassy Post-Mowed Lawn Reactions
“Thank you, my dear compatriot. Our publicity of the embarrassing matter has paid off handsomely,” remarked Liberian talk show host Henry Costa, who currently resides in the United States.
Also speaking on Mr. Williams’ patriotic stance, Isaac Vah Tukpah appealed to the agronomist to never despair.
“You are a qualified and competent Liberian. I spoke with you prior to the formation of this government when you were so ready to make your country proud in the agriculture sector. I know and fully understand how you are willing to sacrifice for your country. You even sacrificed to be on the ground for some time to demonstrate your commitment yet you were not given the opportunity to serve your country. Thank you for answering the call of your fellow Liberians. As some point this petty government will realize that experience don’t fight for jersey,” remarked IVah. Tukpah, who himself was once closely allied with the ruling party but parted ways to join the Alternative National Congress of Mr. Alexander Cummings.
Pundits believe that the decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demand all revenues generated by Liberian foreign missions to be remitted back to Home Office in Monrovia could accelerate the disrepair of many foreign missions, as those Embassies are not even allowed to take out their operations funds or salaries.
“Sadly, with no funds to cut the grass on a regular basis, in two months, by July 26, that embassy will be a “rice farm” again. What are the plans for celebrating Independence Day? Oh, maybe the volume of people will trample the grass. Maybe we need to get some Liberians together to raise about $2,000 every month for you to take the contract of cutting our grass at the embassy for the rest of the summer. Imagine, the Liberian Embassy in the US also represents for Canada and Mexico. How much revenue do they get monthly that they cannot give you a lawn contract for $5,000 a month?” Tukpah wondered, in reference to Mr. Williams’ assistance.
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