Unions commends President Sirleaf

The Liberia National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union, has commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for supporting and promoting the industry, adding since the official pronouncement of the wear your pride campaign by the Liberian leader during her Annual Address at the National Legislature, the Union has noticed a complete transformation in the sector.

He made the statement when the Union paid Prersident SIrleaf a courtesy call on Thursday, May 12. An Executive Mansion release quoted as saying more Liberians are now beginning to appreciate and love wearing Liberia’s traditional country cloth thereby resulting to the creation of market, job opportunity for weavers mainly from Lofa County.

The Union’s President pointed that during the inauguration of President Sirleaf for her second term, she mandated the inaugural committee to grant the Tailor Union the sewing contract to produce Flags and other materials for the program, which according to him brought relief to the institution financially.

He furthered, since the President Sirleaf’s pronouncement, the Union has been having conversation with many Liberians Organizations in the diaspora especially in the United States of America through their legal representative Kimma Wreh, Liberia Fashion Ambassador to the USA to promote Liberian country cloth abroad. He however praised President Sirleaf’s continued support to the industry and appealed to her to help identify partners that will enhance their efforts aimed at promoting the industry. He said the Liberian leader’s administration will be remembered for promoting the wearing of country cloth.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Union’s Board, J. Sando Momolu, thanked President Sirleaf for granting them audience and said such a gesture was highly laudable. He said they have an obligation to live up to expectations amid the confidence reposed in them.

In response, President Sirleaf applauded the Liberia National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union for the commitment in promoting Liberia-made country cloth but was quick to point out that there is much more to be done in the sector, stressing performance as key towards ensuring a sustainable market. She said: “You have done well but you need to connect with other counties and get fully established before extending outside of Liberia, which is a sign of growth”.

The Liberian leader pledged government’s fullest support and commitment in promoting Liberian businesses – stressing quality and performance. “Let your performance be on target” she said. She challenged Commerce Minister, Hon. Axel Addy to continue working with the Union to ensure – produce made in Liberia are available on the market. She assured the Union that once it takes inventory of schools and begin to produce uniforms of all schools, government will work with them to promote the industry adding: “bid for more contracts in the best interest of promoting Liberian entrepreneurship and build yourself well while we work with you” she pointed out.

President Sirleaf then used the occasion to congratulate Geneva K. Garr, Proprietress of Approved Wear Fashion House, Duport Road, for securing a contract from Segal Security Firm to produce set of uniforms for the security, which she described as commendable.

In brief remarks, Commerce Minister, Axel Addy stressed the compelling need to change the Liberian story and assured the Union of government’s commitment in lifting the industry to another level. The Union’s President was accompanied to the meeting by J. Sando Momolu, Board Chairman, Blessing Rogers, Youth Chair, Linda Massaquoi, Board Secretary and Geneva K. Garr of Approved Wear Fashion House.