Rescue Mission Fundraiser Gets Massive Support -As Nyonblee Uses Birthday to Raise Funds for Poll Watchers; Campaign Team Launched

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

MONROVIA: On the occasion of her 55^th birthday anniversary, Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence did not choose to celebrate the auspicious occasion in seclusion with friends and family but devoted her time yesterday to raise US$100,000 out of the US$3 million targeted to cover expenses for poll watchers of the Rescue Mission. Held Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, the elaborate occasion was graced by the presence of Unity Party Standard Bearer Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his Vice Standard Bearer, Nimba County Senator Jeremiah Koung, with Senator Lawrence being named National Campaign Chairperson of the Rescue Team.

Also in attendance at the fundraiser were Senator Prince Moye of Bong County, Senator Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpulu County, Senator James Biney of Maryland County, Political Leader of the Movement for One Liberia (MOL) MacDella Cooper, and former Bomi County Representative Alex Tyler.

Others included Senator Abraham Darius Dillion of Montserrado County, Senator Steve Zargo of Lofa County, Senator Jonathan Kaipay of Grand Bassa County, as well as other officials of the Rescue Mission, inclusive of stalwarts of the Unity Party (UP), Liberty Party (LP), Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), among others.

Interspersed with melodic performances from legendary musical icon and activist Miatta Fahnbulleh, and harmonic renditions from the Rescue Voices that had the audience momentarily captivated, the program witnessed an invigorated Unity Party Standard Bearer rising to the occasion to wish the celebrant happy birthday and to kick off the fundraiser.

Ambassador Boakai said the birthday celebration is the beginning of showing that the Liberian people can come together and take Liberia from darkness to where it ought to be.

He said the gathering is the beginning of a new Liberia that is coming together and he knows that Liberians are committed and ready to rescue the country. He accentuated his statement with the vow that the Rescue Mission quest is to secure a one round victory, exemplified by the unity shown at the occasion which convinced him that Liberians will support the team to rescue the country.

Rescue Mission Campaign Team Launched

Ambassador Boakai also used the occasion to launch the campaign team for October 2023, naming the birthday celebrant as National Campaign Chairperson, whose announcement was met with resounding acclaim from the audience.

Members of the Rescue Mission Campaign Team also included Bong County Senator Prince Moye as Campaign Manager; businessman and former UP National Chairman Ami Modad as National Vice Chair for Planning and Research; Maryland County Senator James Biney as National Vice Chair for Administration; Madam Macdella Cooper as Vice Chair for Resource Mobilization; Mr. Tornorlah Varpilah, Vice Chair for Technical Affairs; and Mr. Mo Ali, Official Campaign Spokesman.

The rest include Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon as member of the campaign team responsible to deliver Montserrado County; Mr. Armah Zolu Jallah, member; Senator Botoe Kanneh, Member; Cllr. Cooper Kruah, Member; Mr. Sando Dazoe Johnson, Member; Professor Alaric Tokpah, Member; Madam Miatta Fahnbulleh; and Mr. Jacob Smith, Campaign Liaison.

Ambassador Boakai promised that more names will be added to the campaign team.

Proffering brief remarks, Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence expressed excitement over the impressive gathering on her birthday and fundraiser for poll watchers, saying after the occasion it is time to work.

“We decided not to just celebrate our birthday but to raise money for our poll watchers because Liberians are concerned and the international community is paying keen attention to the upcoming 10 October 2023 general elections,” Senator Lawrence averred.

In her acceptance remarks as she was named National Campaign Chairperson, Senator Lawrence vowed to deliver one round victory.

Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives, Lofa County Representative Clarence Massaquoi described Senator Lawrence as a gift to the current and future generation, adding that she is on the right side of history. He echoed that the ensuing October elections is not ordinary, terming it as an election to save Liberia.

Also speaking on behalf of the senators, Abraham Darius Dillon said the country is not only in trouble but in deep trouble, but added that in the Liberian Senate Nyonblee is a force and a leader.

He also used the occasion to call on all patriotic and well-meaning Liberians to give the country hope for progress. He went further to describe Senator Lawrence as a woman of grace and courage, and called on Liberians to support the fundraiser, saying even the richest politicians hold fundraisers in everything that they do.

The sharp-talking Montserrado Senator who has come to be known as “The Light” of the Liberian Senate then vowed that in January 2024, as Boakai is taking office, the outgoing government will be audited and the DEA will be given specific instruction to end the proliferation of illicit substances in the country.

Also speaking on behalf of the Collaborating Partners, Prof Alaric Tokpa said the partners are confident that with the presence of Senator Lawrence, Ambassador Boakai is the next President of the Republic of Liberia.

The highlight and climax of the fundraiser saw the father of Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Dr. Abba G. Karnga pledging his loyalty and support to the Rescue Mission cause, stating distinctly that his presence was to not only celebrate his daughter but to tell all Liberians that he has been in the vanguard for the Rescue Mission.

“When I found out Ambassador Boakai had declared Rescue Mission, I said to myself: ‘I’ll be part of that team. Let us follow because Liberia needs to be rescued,” Dr. Karnga stated emphatically.