Carter Center VP tours projects in Bong

The Vice President of the Carter Center has ended a one-day visit to Bong County as part of assessment its programs in Liberia.

Mr. Jordan Ryan upon arrival in Bong County was received by traditional leaders and members of the county leadership and subsequently gowned and given a traditional name (FlomoWennah) in Suakoko in recognition of many contributions by the Carter Center to the development of Liberia.

Mr. Ryan previously served in UNMIL as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General to Liberia. The Carter Center current Vice President, who is based in Georgia, the United States of America, also paid a courtesy call on the management of the Gbarnga Regional Justice and Security Hub to enable him get acquainted with work of the hub and some of its challenges.

After the tour, he told reporters that he was glad to visit Liberia after serving the country thru the United Nations for about four years. Mr. Ryan expressed Carter Center’s commitment to the maintenance of peace in the country as UNMIL gradually draws down.

He added that his organization has worked and continues to work to improve the justice system and also support other areas of rule of law. According to him, the Center is currently working with chiefs and traditional leaders across the country to help with improving local government.

The former deputy SRSG told reporters that he has seen a lot of development in the country that were not on the ground during his tenure with UNMIL. He added that while in route to Monrovia from the Roberts International Airport, he saw many beautiful structures and very well paved road, adding that before he left Liberia in 2009, roads were littered with pot holes.

The Carter Center Vice President said Liberia is about to go into another transition as it prepares for the crucial 2017 general and presidential elections. He expressed delight for returning to Liberia, and assured that he will take back the good news to the United States.

Speaking earlier at the welcome ceremony, Bong County Development Superintendent, Anthony Sheriff, praised the work of Carter Center and called on Mr. Ryan to do more for Liberians, adding that the work of the Center is immeasurable.

Carter Center Liberia Chief of Party, Peweu Flomoku, was also honored by the chiefs and traditional leaders for the role he continues to play in empowering leaders.

By Papa Morris in Bong -Edited by Jonathan Browne