MONROVIA – The Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), President George M. Weah, has directed the Defense Minister to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure the refurbishment of all learning institutions at various military barracks across the country.
The exercise will help dependants of personnel of the AFL to obtain free and quality education and subsequently reduce financial burdens on officers of the army.
Speaking Tuesday at the 63rd celebration of Armed Forces Day at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, President Weah stated that his Government is committed to seeking the welfare of the men and women in arms along with their immediate family members.
President Weah noted that the welfare of the Liberian troops remains a priority of his Government, citing that as such, his Government feels it a duty and an obligation to ensure that the children of military families receive quality education.
“I therefore hereby direct the Minister of Defense, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to work out modalities for the immediate renovation of all schools within our military barracks, and to develop the necessary plans to consolidate these schools under a single district to be named the ‘Armed Forces of Liberia School District’,” the President said.
He added: “Let me assure you that my Government will remain committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that the Armed Forces of Liberia remains ‘An Effective Force for Good’,” the Commander in- Chief said.
He said qualified administrators and instructors will be provided and supervised by the Ministry of Defense, and monitored by the Ministry of Education, stressing, “We will continue to engage our bilateral partners to support our efforts in the revitalization of our new Agriculture Company, and the consolidation of our military schools.”
Meanwhile, President Weah extolled the orator of the 63rd Armed Forces Day, Madam Mary T. Broh, who is also the Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA).
He commended Madame Broh for her commitment to public service, saying that such commitment is based on a deep sense of patriotism and love for country.
“Madam Broh’s in-depth understanding and commitment to women and gender issues made her best-suited to serve as this year’s Guest Speaker, given the theme of this year’s Armed Forces Day.
“Mary, we recognize your good judgments and recommendations in connection with ways to increase female participation in the AFL and in other security sectors. This has given us much food for thought, and we have taken due note of them. Thank you!” the President said.
Also, President Weah congratulated Major General Prince C. Johnson, Chief of Staff, and all officers and members of the AFL.
“To our gallant men and women in arms, we salute you once again and thank you for your service. Despite the challenges, you have stayed the course, and have remained committed to keeping the peace, as well as building on those gains that we have made over the years,” the C-I-C said..
He lauded the military families for their support to the servicemen and women while they serve to protect and defend the nation, noting that such support demonstrates their love for the country.
President Weah extended similar commendations, recognition, and gratitude to the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, National Fire Service, and all Para-Military servicemen and women, expressing gratitude for the services they continue to render the nation and its people.
The Liberian leader then led the audience into observing a moment of silence for members of the AFL who passed away since the previous Armed Forces Day, especially Brigadier General Rudolf F. Kolaco, who served as Assistant Minister for Coast Guard Affairs.
The Armed Forces Day observance grew out of an Act of the National Legislature passed on February 11, 1957, with the intent of paying homage to the men and women of the Liberian army who are making tireless sacrifices to maintain the security of the nation, as well as those who sacrificed their lives for the country and its people in the line of duty.
