US Officials Mad by Independence Orator’s Assertions: Untimely Walks out of Independence Ceremony
Monrovia: On Friday, during the delivering of the 177th Independence address to the nation, scores of American representatives were seen walking out of the ceremony.
Their action at the moment according to many citizens signifies that they weren’t pleased by a statement made by the national orator.
In her 177th Independence Day Proclamation, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey stated the United States (US) has always benefited more from Liberia than it has given.
“Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.” Dr. Pailey expressed.
The 177th national orator also condemned the U.S. for what she called interfering in Liberia’s affairs.
The statement from the Liberian orator provoked the U.S. delegation at the program headed by Catherine Rodriguez, Chargé D’Affaires of the United States to outrageously walk out with her team.
Speaking briefly, the U.S. Embassy added: “Independence Day Celebrations should be a time for hope, unity and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”
Making a case for the government, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the orator is not the spokesperson for the government.
“She doesn’t work for the government. She is a private citizen. She has her right to freedom of expression. I do know about the Charge Affairs walking out and if she does that she knows her reasons.” Piah stated.
A diplomatic source told Knews that on condition of obscurity, the orator’s evaluation was pointed in the wrong direction adding that USAID and other partners from the US have over the years tipped in monies in Liberia but such funds have been grossly mismanaged.
Records have it that the US government over the years have complained of how the government of Liberia have misused funds entrusted to them, highlighting corruption, nepotism among others, a case of the immediate past US Ambassador Michael McCarthy.
Political pundits are now saying; such a statement highlights an embarrassing moment for the Boakai’s administration, particularly, on the country’s first Independence Day celebration under his leadership.
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