By Emmanuel wise Jipoh
Outgoing Liberian Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Kemayah says he has nothing to regret serving in the role over the past years as his government fades away.
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led government which Kemayah serves as Foreign Minister is due to hand power over to the opposition Unity Party (UP) this Monday, 22 January 2024 after a hard-fought election last year.
Mr. Kemayah said he is pleased to have served as Minister, arguing that he served diligently with pride and he is leaving as a happy man.
In his farewell speech, Minister Kemayah looked excited, saying he was short of words on how to describe his service in government.
He hailed outgoing President George Manneh Weah for allowing him to serve.
“I’m truly honored to serve, and with God above, I am leaving from here very happily and as a happy man knowing of what we have done at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the short time, a little over three years as Minister of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
“I’ve got nothing to regret about exiting the stage, nothing absolutely,” he noted.
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Talking about some of the work done, he cited the complete renovation and refurbishing of the building and gave the credit to President Weah.
He said President Weah has exemplified true humanity as a leader for his selflessness, and passion for nation-building.
“I’m not only pleased with the level of renovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but I’m also delighted for the opportunity you have given me to serve my country and all of the work done at the Ministry,” he continued.
“Mr. President for indeed you are a man of great wisdom, and being around you is like being in school and I am one of the students,” said Kemayah.
He said he was opportune to have learned from President Weah’s tutorship over the years.
Minister Kemayah described the character of President Weah as true tenacity and courage as a man of humanity, who exemplifies his true leadership.
Speaking further at the dedicatory ceremony of the refurbished Foreign Ministry building, Minister Kemayah said reform was key to the uplifting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry served as the temporary seat of the Liberian Presidency for over 15 years from 2006-2020 while the Executive Mansion underwent renovation following a fire incident.
Kemayah described reform policies at the Ministry as unwavering.
Minister Kemayah spoke about the revised passport regulations, stating that it was done in line with best practices and in a standardized manner and form.
He hailed the Senior Management of Foreign Affairs for the dedicated service and for diligently executing its duties over the last three years.
Giving an overview of the Project, Deputy Foreign Minister for Administration Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer said the ceremony demonstrated a man of vision, referring to her boss Mr. Kemayah.
She said Kemayah has not only replicated but clearly executed the vision and blueprint of President Weah, who she said is an excellent leader.
Minister Sawyer said the dedication of the refurbished building was key in making the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as number one.
She expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Morocco for generously funding the project.
