LIBERIA – The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, switched on the National Christmas Tree, marking the beginning of the official commemoration of the festive season in Liberia.
Dozens of Liberians from all walks of life, comprising officials of government as well as members of the diplomatic corps, graced the occasion on the grounds of the Executive Mansion.
“The Bible says, let there be light,” President Weah declared as he pressed the control button to the Christmas Tree, “and there is light” the annual festival commenced in earnest with different choir groups attending the occasion rendering soul-warming gospel songs.
In a special statement minutes earlier, President Weah reflected on the importance of the lighting of the Christmas Tree as a national ceremony observed annually in Liberia to mark the official beginning of the Christmas Season, the time he said members of the Christian Faith commemorate the birth of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
President Weah also recalled how the event, which first occurred over two hundred years ago, has been observed as a time of happiness, a time of fellowship and goodwill, and a time of peace.
Although Christmas is not unique to Liberia alone, President Weah, however, said Liberians needed to be particularly grateful that they are living in a time of peace spanning more than two decades.
The Liberian Leader enjoined Liberians not to take the peace being enjoyed for granted, stressing, “It must be appreciated, celebrated, protected and preserved not only at Christmas, but throughout the coming years.”
“As we come to the end of one of the most significant years in our history at which time we commemorated the bicentennial anniversary of our journey towards nationhood and independence, we must equally reflect on the fact that this Christmas is a prelude to the coming year which is another significant milestone for Liberia,” President maintained.
According to the President, the coming year is special to Liberia because of the pending presidential and legislative elections which will provide another glorious opportunity for the nation to demonstrate the maturity of its nascent democracy through what he termed “the conduct of elections that are free, fair, transparent and credible.”
“I, therefore, want to call on every Liberian today to commit themselves to behavior that promotes peace and lawfulness in these elections,” he pleaded, adding: “For my part, I always placed myself on record as I have done at previous occasions, that I pledged unrelenting support to the election that is free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful.”
President Weah appealed to would-be partakers in the elections and their followers to make a similar pledge, committing themselves to free, fair, transparent, peaceful, and credible elections.
The President continued: “Let me say again that I will do legally all that is within my power to ensure that the coming elections are conducted in an atmosphere that is conducive for citizens to freely and safely exercise their sacred constitutional rights to choose who will lead them.”
He said the voices of the Liberian people will and must be upheld and respected, urging citizens to observe the season with love for one another, always remembering that they are their brothers’ keepers.
President Weah also asked Liberians to always use dialogue to resolve their differences, rather than resorting to violence, noting that what unites Liberians is far more than what divides them.
“Liberians, let us celebrate our diversity in unity. I, therefore, call on all Liberians wherever they may be to join hands so that together we build a vibrant nation,” the President urged citizens. “Together we are stronger and united, we are invincible.”
