Lawmaker wants Maritime summoned

Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Kogar is requesting the House of Representatives to invite authorities at the Liberia Maritime Authority for explanations on the corporation’s pronouncement in 2012 that it planned to create 10,000 jobs within five years and contribute US$120m into the Liberian economy.

Speaking in session Tuesday, 13 February, Rep. Kogar recalled that local dailies reported in September 2012 that local dailies were quoting then Maritime boss Binyah Kesselly following his alleged pronouncement that Maritime planned to create 10,000 jobs and contribute US$120m into the Liberia economy within five years.

Rep. Kogar says predicated upon the above, he is of the conviction that the plan mentioned has not been met based on inquiries. He explains that the Liberian Registry which is managed by US – owned Liberian International Shipping and Corporate Registry (LISCR), reported on its website that it had more than 4,170 registered vessels which is 12% of the world’s ocean going fleet.

But he says it has discouraging number of Liberian seafarers on board some of vessels.According to Rep. Kogar, apart from the flow of revenue to the central budget, Liberians have benefited relatively little from the Maritime sector, arguing that ships flying Liberian flag are expected to employ Liberian nationals.

Quoting Liberian seafarers and port workers union, Rep. Kogar claims that it is not always the case that Liberians are being employed, saying it results to the collapse of the potentials.

By Bridgett Milton–Edited by Winston W. Parley