Foreign Minister, Ms. Marjon Kamara, on behalf of her colleagues, have committed themselves to work in a concerted manner as members of the Cabinet to implement the prioritized actions agreed under their respective portfolios for the good of the country; as a strong and inclusive leadership is indispensable to the success of the country’s development agenda.

She indicated that under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s inspiring leadership, sound and progressive policies, Liberia has register significant improvements in its political, legal and economic systems,though there is still much to be done. She furthered that despite the setbacks and serious economic challenges facing the country, they remain confident in the Liberian President’s ability to steer the country on the path to economic prosperity.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, Ms. Kamara spoke on behalf of her colleagues at the Commissioning and Investiture Ceremonies of Officials of Government at the Foreign Ministry’s C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. Auditorium on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

She further expressed gratitude for their selection to serve this administration in various capacities in the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at transforming the country and the lives of the people.

“Madam President, we are grateful for the honor and humbled by your selection of us, from among many other compatriots, to work closely with you in the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at transforming our country and the lives of its people,” Foreign Minister Kamara asserted, adding, “We are indeed proud to be a part of your team for the revitalization and restoration of basic infrastructure and services, the effective management and use of our resources for the benefit of our peoples and for the strengthening of national institutions which protect the rights of Liberians and serve as guardians of the principles of good governance,” the Dean of the Cabinet said.

The Liberian Foreign Minister, who before her appointment served as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations in New York, stressed that government’s foreign policy of building strong partnerships at the regional and international levels have succeeded in restoring Liberia’s image and credibility and also helped to attract investment, although global economic developments have negatively impacted the investment climate.

In thanking the members of the diplomatic and consular corps for their contribution to the wholesome and mutually beneficial relationships developed with Liberia, she, committed members of the Cabinet, to do their share in nurturing the relationships with development partners. “We undertake to do even better in utilizing effectively assistance provided by our partners and responding expeditiously to offers for collaboration especially in priority areas identified in our Agenda for Transformation,” she assured.

On the charge to keep, she admonished her colleagues that to whom much is given, much is expected. Committing her colleagues to the task ahead, Foreign Minister Kamara assured President Sirleaf, “We, your teammates in Cabinet, commit to carry our individual and shared responsibilities with dedication; to consult more and coordinate better among ourselves. We remain mindful of our accountabilities: first to you to prove worthy of the trust reposed in us; second, to our fellow Liberians to serve with integrity, maintaining focus on national interests; and third, to our creator who has made it possible, providing the opportunities for us to render service to our country.”

Ms. Kamara, besides commissioned as Liberia’s Foreign Minister and Dean of the Cabinet, was also admitted into the Humane Order of African Redemption with the rank of Dame Great Band and Chancellor of the Orders.

Expressing personal gratitude for the honor, Ms. Kamara looked back at what is an uncommon privilege of returning to the Ministry where she launched her professional career in 1974, as a youthful, agile, creative, energetic and curious young woman. She admitted that with the passage of time there has been some erosion along the edges but also a strengthening of determination and persistence in applying the principle that “anything worth doing is worth doing well.”

Earlier, President Sirleaf cautioned the honorees that the next few months will be an interesting and challenging time; but was confident in the ability of the honorees to stay focus, exhibit the competence that led to their appointment; but more importantly, their commitment to their country. “Remain strong, be ready to face whatever comes,” she urged.

Touching on exciting times she foresees ahead, the Liberian leader reminded the commissioned officials that they had the last baton to take the administration to the finish line and everything will depend on them. She indicated that they wouldn’t be able to accomplish everything they set out to achieve but she is confident that she could count on them to do the best they can. “May God give you the strength to take whatever may come your way, but I know he will strengthen you to be able to be successful as we move along,” President Sirleaf said.

Also making remarks, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis Garseedah Brown, II said he was proud to have served on President Sirleaf’s Cabinet, and prouder still to represent Liberia at the United Nations.

“Encouraged by the diligence with which you continue to lead our country, I undertake this assignment fully aware of its increased responsibilities as our country undertakes two important milestones in its development – the ongoing drawdown of UNMIL and the ensuing democratic transition of power.”

The Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Liberia Revenue Authority, Cllr. Robert C. Tubman responded to a toast proffered by President Sirleaf on behalf of the honorees.

Those commissioned included Ambassador Marjon V. Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Moses Zinnah, Minister of Agriculture; Mr. Lenn Eugene Nagbe, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism; Attorney Neto Zarzar Lighe, Minister of Labor; Mrs. Julia Duncan Cassell, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection; and Ambassador Lewis Garseedah Brown, II, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations.

Others are Cllr. Robert C. Tubman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Liberia Revenue Authority; Mrs. Elfieda Stewart Tamba, Commissioner-General, Liberia Revenue Authority; Mr. Charles R. Bright, and Mrs. Aletha Brown Cooper, Members, Board of Directors, Liberia Revenue Authority; Mr. Oliver R. Rogers, II, Deputy Commissioner-General for Administration, Liberia Revenue Authority; and Mrs. Decontee King Sackie, Deputy Commissioner – General for Operations and Technical Services, Liberia Revenue Authority.