Another ‘Eating Spot’ On Capitol ….Resolution To Hail Int’l Community Introduced Days after Liberians celebrated decade of peace, the House of Representatives has endorsed a communication submitted to Plenary by Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe to appreciate the International Community for its meaningful contributions in restoring peace and stability in Liberia. The Communication, according to our reporter, seeks to establish a joint legislative Committee from both Houses to visit the international community to express Liberia thanks and appreciation. But Representatives Larry Younquoi, Richard M. Tingban, Jeremiah Koon, Samuel Kogar and Garrison Yearlue all of Nimba County, opposed the endorsement of the communication. Other legislators against Representative Snowe’s letter are: Johnson Chea, Lester Paye, Bill Twehway, Matthew Zarzar, among others. Lawmakers opposing the communication said there was financial constraint facing the country and as such, government was not prepared to sponsor what they called ‘a waste of money venture’. It is a belief in Government’s circle that Foreign travels is where officials of government amass huge sum of cash. They argued that the celebration by government appreciated all partners that contributed to the peace process in Liberia and as such it was unnecessary for the Lawmakers to carry out such a program. Following heated debate about the financial implication and budgetary shortfall in the country’s National Budget, Representatives Francis Paye, Jeremiah Karmo, Munah Pelham, Moses Kollie, Morias Waylee, Solomon George, Thomas Fallah, Charles Barylee, Byron Brown, Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, Saah Joseph, Samuel Karmo, Haja F. Siryon, Alfred Juweh, supported the endorsement of the communication to appreciate members of the International Community abroad. The former Speaker of the 52nd National Legislature and some of his colleagues argued that several international institutions spent huge sum of money to support Liberia’s peace and reconciliation drive, and they need to be commended. According to them, if members of the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Mano River Union (MRU), Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), United States of America come to Liberia, huge funding will be spent to cater to their needs. Representative Snowe and his supporters said the funding anticipated to be provided by the Ministry of Finance for the trip will not reach the funds that have been invested to restore peace in Liberia by donor partners. They claimed that the trip will not be done unilaterally, but the Liberian leader will be informed concerning their appreciation visit. But lawmakers against the communication alleged that their colleagues want to use the visit to get political favor from abroad. According to them, the appreciation trip abroad is untimely due to budgetary shortfall in the 2013/2014 National Budget comparing to the last fiscal year projections. They claimed that Snowe and others are insensitive to the plights of Liberians who living conditions are appalling. The opposing legislators said civil servants comprising the health workers, teachers, security personnel, among others need urgent increment in their monthly salaries. But Representative Larry Younquoi who was heading the opposing team emotionally walked out of the chamber after 13 lawmakers voted for the endorsement of the communication to hail the International Community for 10 years of peace and stability. Meanwhile, the communication has been sent to the Senate for concurrence and subsequent approval by the President. Ten lawmakers voted against the endorsement of the letter.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 21:28:19 +0000
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