US AMBASSADOR MARK TONER SPOTLIGHTS GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT DURING BONG COUNTY VISIT

Monrovia, Liberia: In a strong show of support for community-level engagement and inclusive development, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, paid an official visit to Bong County, where he emphasized the importance of strengthening U.S.-Liberia relations beyond the capital. The visit, held at the Gbarnga Administration Building, brought together local leaders, including Bong County Superintendent Loileyah Hawa Norris and the Mayor of Gbarnga.

Ambassador Toner underscored the need for deeper cooperation at the grassroots level and expressed his admiration for Liberia’s resilience and hospitality, describing it as a consistent trait that has stayed with him since his early service in the country as a Peace Corps volunteer. “By getting outside of Monrovia and traveling to places like Bong County, I get to see the challenges and opportunities firsthand,” he said.

The Ambassador reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s long-term economic and democratic stability.

He stressed that building meaningful relationships with communities across the country is essential to unlocking development and sustaining peace. Toner noted that youth employment, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and reconciliation are areas of shared interest that must receive greater attention.

Throughout his interactions, Ambassador Toner reiterated the importance of local leadership and urged continued cooperation between the United States and Liberia to help drive progress. “We want to help create opportunities for Liberians and invest in grassroots development,” he emphasized, calling for initiatives that would give young people hope and open doors to local investment.

During the ceremony, Superintendent Loileyah Hawa Norris welcomed the ambassador on behalf of the county and thanked him for taking time to engage with the people of Bong. She noted that the ambassador’s visit marked an important moment of dialogue and visibility for rural communities often left behind in national conversations.

Norris stressed that human development particularly in the form of education and community-based programs remains critical to sustainable peace and progress. “We raised important issues, and while we did not receive promises, we are hopeful for future support,” she said, adding that local leaders are prepared to collaborate on programs that uplift their people.

In recognition of the ambassador’s engagement, traditional leaders and county authorities presented Toner with a special honor as a symbol of appreciation and partnership. Norris described the recognition as a powerful gesture of gratitude and a sign of the county’s commitment to fostering lasting ties with the United States.

Ambassador Toner’s visit to Bong County is part of a broader effort to expand U.S. diplomatic engagement across Liberia. By engaging directly with communities, the U.S. Embassy aims to promote inclusive development, stability, and people-centered policies that reflect the aspirations of everyday Liberians.