A pro-democratic student group at the University of Liberia under the banner Conscious Student Alliance for Democratic Promotion has praised Liberia’s Foreign Minister Marjon V. Kamara for her commitment and invaluable contribution to the Liberian Government and people.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the comments were made during a brief program at the Ministry when the students gowned Minister Kamara in an African traditional attire and bestowed upon her “The Best Minister Year 2016 Award”.

Presenting the award on behalf of the organization, its chairman, Mr. Siaffa Kanneh recounted Minister Kamara’s laudable initiatives for Liberia, couple with the pivotal role she played during her long diplomatic service particularly during her tenure as Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations where she promoted Liberia’s interest and at the same elevated its image at various international fora.

Mr. Kanneh hailed her role as the country’s foreign minister where she recently chaired the 77^th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers making sure that Liberia plays a major part in the sub-regional organization’s activities.

He indicated that under her chairmanship, Liberia is highly recognized at various ECOWAS fora which has led to the ECOWAS Authority setting aside January 16^th of every year as ECOWAS Human Rights day; symbolic in the region as it marks the ascension to power of Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of Liberia and the first African Woman Head of State.

The chairman of the student group further commended Minister Kamara for commissioning young Liberian Foreign Service officers now serving in the country’s foreign missions abroad and thanked the Foreign Minister for her decision to open additional passport processing centers in Africa, Asia and the Americas enabling Liberians to obtain their passports in their respective countries of residence.

He lauded her administration for decentralizing passport processing services in Liberia where applicants are now applying for passports at sub-centers in the country including Buchanan, Grand Bassa County; saying, “This is huge progress and a welcoming development.”

The group chairman indicated that predicated upon her reasonable achievements so far, they decided to give her flowers while she is still present, adding, “Any attempt to praise her in her absence would be deceptive.”

“We have taken upon ourselves to come, having critically observed the many achievements made and the role played on behalf of Liberia, we the “Conscious Student Alliance for Democratic Promotion” have decided to give you flowers while you’re present,” he stressed, adding, “We have come to bestow upon you the honor as “The Best Minister of the Year 2016,” and to gown you for your excellent role in promoting the interest of Liberians and Liberia,” Mr. Kanneh emphasized.

Responding, Minister Kamara said she was highly elated for the honor bestowed upon her by the gowning which signifies ‘high recognition’ and accepted the honor with deep appreciation. She promised to do all she can to promote the interest of Liberia and Liberians at all times.

The Dean of the Cabinet also noted that everywhere she has had the opportunity to work and serve, she made strides to impact the lives of people positively. She told the students that she has always put the interest of Liberia first and will continue to move and build on wonderful platforms serving with distinction and building impeccable records throughout her years of service.

“I am very humble to receive this honor and wish to thank you for establishing a platform to hold dialogues and discussions between students and administration as well as with Government, something she noted would enhance good governance and democracy in Liberia, while describing the move as a praise-worthy venture.

She encouraged the group to continue on the noble platform of productive reasoning that would consolidate peace and democracy in Liberia and urged the students to expand on their platform to make it more productive and reasonable in seeking redress from government authorities.

Foreign Minister Kamara cautioned them to do away with violence and destructive tendencies as a means of seeking redress which, she added, would undermine peace and development.

She called on them to exhibit good examples for tomorrow so as to serve the purpose for which the entity was established. “We need to create platforms for us to sit down and be able to reason together,” she stressed, adding that since 2003 to present, Liberia has been assisted by the international community noting that it is about time that Liberians take on the responsibility to consolidate peace here.