STAND Disagrees With Independence Day Orator -Says Liberians Grateful to US for Its Copious Assistance

MONROVIA: Liberians have been embroiled in heated arguments since it was reported that US officials walked out of the 177^th Independence Day program over “divisive comments” made at the occasion by the main orator, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey. While some citizens are expressing disappointment over the boycott, contending that the US officials by their action exhibited allergy ironically to freedom of speech which their country cherishes and vanguards, others say the orator’s criticism against the US lacks merit and substance. One of such groups disagreeing with Dr. Pailey assessment of US-Liberia relationship is the civil society organization, STAND which said in a release that Dr. Pailey’s assessment of and assertions about US-Liberia relations are unfair and a lack of historical understanding of and disregard for that relationship. The Analyst reports.

Over assertions by this year’s July 26 celebration orator that the ‘special relationship’ between Liberia and the United States only exists in Liberians’ imagination and that the “United States has taken more from us than it has given,” the ever-alert Liberian advocacy organization, STAND, says it “strongly objects to and considers as unfair the remarks”.

The National Orator during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day commemoration described the longstanding historical ties between Liberia and the United States as an “outsized influence” and a “so-called special relationship.”

Further, the Orator condemned the United States’ late recognition of Liberia’s independence as a “bad product” of the Liberia-America relationship.

STAND says those analyses by the July 26 orator demonstrate “a lack of historical understanding and disregards the religious, moral, political, economic, and social benefits that this relationship has provided to Liberia”.

According to the organization, it finds it ironical that Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey would demean and spew “unfounded criticism” at the US, a nation that has supported Liberia throughout its pre-conflict, conflict-time, and post-conflict periods.

“Despite providing millions in development assistance annually, the US government also opened their arms and borders to thousands of Liberians during the civil war, and has ALWAYS SUPPORTED Liberia in positive endeavors,” the group said, adding that it finds the Orator’s remarks both baseless and unjust towards the US.

The negative characterization of this special relationship by the Orator echoes a dangerous anti-American sentiment rooted in radical ideology that fails to appreciate the extensive support the United States government has given to Liberia, far surpassing any other development partner, STAND further said.

“Such rhetoric is designed to undermine the well-being of ordinary Liberians, whose livelihoods are significantly supported by U.S. development assistance,” the group said, adding: “The Orator’s deliberate distortion of facts tacitly endorses bad governance in Liberia, which has led to widespread poverty, inadequate social services, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of accountability.”

STAND thinks that America is not responsible for Liberia’s challenges, but that it is Liberian leaders who are primarily responsible for crafting policies to improve living standards.

“Unfortunately, successive governments have failed in this national duty,” it stated.

STAND said also that Liberia’s Independence Day celebration should be an opportunity for national renewal, particularly given Liberia’s divisions, as reflected in election results, wealth and income disparities, and widening poverty gaps.

“The Orator’s attempt to alienate Liberia from its key international development partner on such a solemn occasion raises serious concerns,” the Liberian civil society group asserted, as it questions how it became America’s fault when Liberia’s leaders engage in corruption, pass illegitimate concessions, mismanage resources, allow illicit drugs into the country, fail to hold criminals accountable, and neglect the hopes of citizens. Should Liberians blame America for these issues rather than their leaders.

Further, STAND questioned the Independence Day orator on how she could blame the United States for being responsible for the poor conditions at JFK Hospital and the overall healthcare system, “our failure to invest in agriculture, the poor state of our roads, and the shortcomings in our education system.”

“The National Orator should have held Liberia’s leaders accountable instead of shifting blame,” the group noted, arguing that “conversely, the United States has provided training for our military, funded healthcare with American tax dollars, and supported essential drug supplies.

“Since 2003, the United States has spent $2.4 billion in development assistance to Liberia through the State Department and USAID. They have also provided training and capacity building for our justice system, which has repeatedly failed to address corruption and hold perpetrators accountable.”

STAND called on Liberian citizens to ignore the orator’s “unfair and radical rhetoric against the United States Government, as it undermines our national interests. As the adage goes, “While being carried on the shoulders of the United States, it would be unwise to complain about its armpit.”

“The United States remains our premier development partner, and the Liberian people, who are grateful for their sustained assistance, will not be misled by a transient or ‘fly-by-night’ Orator who sows discord before leaving the country.”

STAND said it was apologizing, on behalf of the people of Liberia, to the government and people of the United States, looking forward to maintaining a strong relationship between Liberia and the United States.