LNP/BIN get boost amidst UNMIL draw down

-As help comes from Japan

The logistical problems facing the Liberia National Police or LNP and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization or BIN received some boosts over the weekend with more donations from the Government and people of Japan.

The Japanese donated one hundred and sixty motorbikes (160) two thousand sets of raingear, (200) two hindered Infrared Thermometers and eighty Public Address Systems to be used by the LNP and BIN in eight of the country’s border counties.

The eight counties are Maryland, Gbapolu, Lofa, Bong, Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Rivergee, and Nimba Counties. The latest gesture follows a recent donation of 18 Land Cruiser jeeps to the two security entities by the government and people of Japan to be used in these counties.

These gestures come as government and partners try to strengthen the capacity of the local security agencies here amidst UNMIL troops drawdown. On June 30, this year, UNMIL is expected to officially turn over security to the local security agencies here with the LNP/BIN playing lead roles.

A release from the LNP Sunday said the donations are part of the Emergency Support to National Response to Ebola Viral Hemorrhage Fever Epidemic. Japan Ambassador accredited near Monrovia Amb. Kaorr Yoshinura said his government will remain engaged with the government and people of Liberia in supporting the capacity building drive of the Liberian security sector in the wake of the United Nations Mission drawdown process.

He said his government was concerned about the devastating effect the ebola virus left on the country, and will continue to assist the country in its recovery drive by rendering support to critical areas such as enhancing border surveillance, adding “it will help Liberian security to monitor the health condition of those entering the country through the various border points”.

Presenting the items to the Minister of Justice, UNDP Country Director Dr. Kamil Kamaludden stressed the need for more resources to be provided to the Liberian Security Sector in the wake of the pull out of the UN Mission in Liberia. He said the donation of the items by the government and people of Japan was a solid step in the provision of human security which he said is paramount for lasting peace in the Liberian Society.

The UNDP Country Director urged the recipients to use the materials for the intended purposes, which include having them deployed in the eight bordering counties. Receiving the keys and other materials Justice Minister Benedict F. Sannoh lauded the Japanese government for the donations in support to the border surveillance project. He described the government of Japan as a friendly partner in the rebuilding process of Liberia. He said the provision of the items will further strengthen the issue of security in the eight counties where the items are intended for. He cautioned both the LNP and the BIN to ably manager the items for the security of the Liberian people.

For his part Police Director C. Clarence Massaquoi said the LNP was grateful for the donation of the materials to be used especially for officers assigned at the borders who aremostly exposed to danger. He said the police will continue to remain proactive in the provision of security as the UN Mission gradually departs the country, and called on the government of Japan to consider Montserrado County in future donations. He said Montserrado host the largest portion of the country’s population, and as such needs more attention.

-Edited by Othello B. Garblah