Former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has officially opened the first regional office of the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) in Liberia, calling on descendants of free slaves to trace their roots through research.
He made the call recently in Paynesville when he launched the SRDC and the SEHWAH-Liberia Incorporated, a non-profit organization founded in 2014 during the Ebola crisis.During the event, Mr. Boakai urged Liberians in the diaspora to do more for their country.
During the event, Mr. Boakai made a call on descendants of free slaves to trace their roots through research.The first regional office of the SRDC is situated next to the old Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) building, opposite the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Paynesville, Montserrado County.
Boakai says he was gratified to serve as chief launcher of the SRDC regional office which serves as the medium through which descendants of free slaves can trace their backgrounds.He notes that the SRDC regional office is the first of its kind since the country was established in 1847, adding that he will continuously work with the leadership of the SRDC to ensure that its dream becomes a reality in Africa.
The former Liberian Vice President indicates that there are many Africans taken to different parts of the world by their masters and today they have forgotten about their roots because there is not sufficient information to their disposal.
With the opening of the first regional office in Liberia, he notes that every descendant of freed slaves should see it as the greatest opportunity and access to tracing their roots and getting first hand information that will pave the way for them to return home.
Meanwhile, Mr. Boakai says Liberians in the diaspora need to double up their contributions to the transformation of their country by bringing back expertise they have acquired abroad.He says the time is now for Liberians both in country and abroad to put national development first.
The former Liberian vice president however criticizes the act of other compatriots leaving the country and finding new life elsewhere, forgetting their root.“You who have children abroad should understand that no matter the condition, Liberia is your home and you should educate your kids about where you came from,” he says.
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According to him, Liberians everywhere around the world do have the capability to make meaningful contributions in Liberia, and as such, they should be empowered and given the chance to ensure the growth and progress of their country.
Mr. Boakia pledges his commitment to the organization by ensuring that the momentum and other developments of the organization go across Liberia, because it is about time “we support our own.”“We are ready to work with you, and bring onboard other partners that do have a great feeling for their country,” Boakia concludes.
For her part, the Executive Director of SEHWAH Liberia Inc., a Liberian non-for- profit organization, Madam Louise Warmenwoah McMillian provided brief history of SEHWAH Liberia Inc.She disclosed that the organization promotes sustainable development, through building cultural heritage initiatives and advocacy for women and children in Liberia.
According to her, SEHWAH was founded in 2014 during Ebola crisis here, playing a crucial role in winning the battle against the Ebola disease.
By Emmanuel Mondaye & Ethel A. Tweh–Edited by Winston W. Parley
