The fire that gutted the house of Liberia’s Information Minister, Dr. Laurence Bropleh has claimed the attention of every Liberian, most especially the Government he is serving. Apparently against this backdrop, the government has announced it would probe circumstances that led to the fire.

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The government through Press Secretary Cyrus Badio said it will along with the United Nations in Liberia (UNMIL) and other partners launch an investigation to establish circumstances that led to the burning of the house.

Though Mr. Badio did not say when investigation would get underway and how long it will last, he said however that the process will be done as speedily as possible, and that is intended to keep Liberians very informed on the incident.

It may be recalled that the house which is said to have valued over US$500,000 last week gutted fire and burnt to the ground.

The government in similar fashion set up an investigative team to probe the cause of the fire that gutted the Lands, Mines and Energy, but failed to release the findings of the investigation, if there are being any.

Minister Bropleh is quoted as expressing frustration at the incident, that what he has labored for over the years has been destroyed in few minutes time.

Liberia’s Ambassador ToThe US Unveils Plan

Liberia’s U.S. Ambassador M. Nathaniel Barnes has, while wishing Liberians a “happy and prosperous” New Year, unveiled measures to strengthen US-Liberia relations and to improve the lots of Liberians residing in the U.S.

He predicted that 2009 will be a good year for Liberia and encouraged all Liberians to do whatever is in their might to help Liberia meet its goals and aspirations.

“It is imperative that we understand that all of us must do whatever little we can in unity to make Liberia the best that it can be,” said Amb. Barnes.

The Liberian envoy comments were contained in a New Year Message he delivered on behalf of the President of Liberia and Liberia’s Foreign Service. In view of that national imperative, the ambassador said, he has initiated the establishment of a Liberian Diaspora Advisory Board to work closely with the Embassy. 

He did not say what the Diaspora Advisory Board would do, who were the likely members, and where such board would be based. He however noted that he was open to suggestions.

He said the establishment of the board and other measures the embassy was contemplating on taking were in realization of the fact that Liberians in the United States have incredible potential to assist in resolving some of the most pressing challenges currently facing Liberia. 

“Additionally, the Embassy has just finalized a 36 month Strategic Plan that encompasses engaging institutions and individuals across the United States at all levels, including the U.S Government, the private sector, non-governmental agencies, as well as academic and scientific institutions,” he said.

According to him, the fundamental thrust of the plan is to clearly articulate the development and strategic objectives of the Government of Liberia’s and to establish a focused and effective means to accomplish them.

He acknowledge the immigration problems facing thousands of Liberians in the U.S. and called on those affected to rest assured that the Liberian Embassy under his administration would help seek solutions to those problems.

“Be confident that we are aggressively engaging the U.S. Government to take the necessary actions that will address this matter in a comprehensive manner,” he said.  

He said as the issue was being tackled, he would continue to consult and meet with Liberian groups on this and other pertinent concerns. 

He described as “clear indication of the improvement and progress” Liberia’s qualification for the threshold program of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and noted that his administration intends to work closely with the responsible sector ministries and agencies in Monrovia as their Washington-based representative to ensure success for Liberia in this innovative program.

“In the coming months, I will continue to make my way across the United States meeting with many of you to listen to you and to discuss issues concerning our nation,” Amb. Barnes said.

He meanwhile declared the readiness of the embassy and its staff to help lift Liberia by continuing to represent Liberia at peace-building, economic, social and political forums around the United States.

 “In the same vein, please feel free to call upon us should you require our direct participation in your efforts,” the Liberian envoy said.