Internal Affairs Minister, Varney Sirleaf has lauded the Carter Center in Liberia for what he calls their continued support in the empowerment of local government officials to adequately discharge their duties.
Speaking when the Ministry of Internal Affairs in collaboration with the Carter Center concluded a two day intensive capacity building workshop for local government officials with specific emphasis on District Commissioners, Minister Sirleaf stressed the importance of incorporating Commissioners to popularize the decentralization law in the country.
According to the Internal Affairs Minister, the initiative will build the capacity of local county officials to implement national government policies.
Minister Sirleaf also admonished participants at the event to ensure what he termed the lost values of District Commissioners over the years, are restored, noting that Commissioners play a vital role in the growth and development of the country. The Minister recounted that unlike in times past, Commissioners nowadays have been heavily disrespected by the citizens they lead, stressing that the local officials are not making a monthly salary which matches the work they do.
Minister Sirleaf maintained that one major way to enhance development in a particular district is through agricultural activities; something he encouraged his Commissioners to venture into.
He is also pleading with the government of Liberia to allow his Commissioners across the country to serve, stressing that they, as senior government officials, have already been accustomed to the workings of local government.
Minister Sirleaf maintained that, now that they have learned their job, there is a huge possibility of them making impact on the country during the second term of President Weah.
Speaking on behalf of the participants at the end of the training, Sanniquellie Mahn Administrative District Commissioner, Yealue thanked the Carter Center and Ministry of Internal Affairs for the initiative, adding that the training has given them broader knowledge with regards to knowing their job description as commissioners.
He assured maximum utilization of the knowledge acquired during the workshop and further pleaded with the Carter Center for more of such training opportunities for them as local leaders in the spirit of moving the nation forward.
