Adopt new mindsets

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says it’s time for Liberians to adopt a new mindset as the nation moves towards consolidating its progress towards transformation. “Let us as Liberians learn to love our beloved country. Let us develop a culture of self-pride and sense of belonging,” Mrs. Sirleaf said.

Speaking at the Centennial Pavilion on Tuesday during a program marking the official ceremony of Liberia’s 169the Independence Day Celebration, President Sirleaf said “while there will be different interpretations seeking to juxtapose between our country at “169” as an independent state versus progress made thus far, the choice of an aptly preferred national Theme: “Consolidating The Progress Towards Transformation”- for this year speaks volume.”

She says the theme tells of a nation of determination and resilience despite continuous vicissitudes. “It tells of the consolidation of the existing progress as a foundation for the transformation we eagerly yearn for, “she said.

Recounting last year’s, Independence Day observance, which focused on “Communities” – owing to their aggressive fight against the Ebola outbreak, Mrs. Sirleaf said the celebrations of our local communities was done in acknowledgement of their role as First Responders who selflessly give their lives in favor of humanity.

She said Liberians convinced the world that “we could work together irrespective of social, economic or political persuasions. Together, we succeeded in overcoming the scourge.” “We did not only win that battle but have acquired requisite skills, techniques and capability to effectively contain any outbreak as we have successively done so with recorded cases,” she added.

Mrs. Sirleaf paid tributes to the local security forces here saying the transferred of security into the hands of UNMIL to the Liberian government is commendable for the forces who since 2012 have been responding to a gradual drawdown and have stepped forward to fill in and kept the peace.

She extended heartfelt thanks the international community for their role in bringing Liberia thus far, while adding that the nation look forward to their support in helping us to build upon the existing structures we have established.-New Dawn