A pro-democracy group, Progressive Alliance Movement of Liberia, has honored the President of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), Dee Maxwell Kemayah, Sr., for what it calls “Invaluable services” he has provided since assuming power as President of the association.
Recounting some improvements the Kemayah leadership has brought to LIBA, the National Chairman of the Progressive Alliance Movement of Liberia, K. Mamadee Keita, said the current leadership of Kemayah has enabled Liberian businesses to have connection with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) through which over US$500,000 loan has been given to empower them.
Mr. Keita furthered that through Kemayah and his crew members at LIBA, some Liberian entrepreneurs have been able to travel to other countries for training and other activities that would connect them to other business partners around the world; which he said is aiding to boost the Liberian economy.
He added that LIBA was once a dormant institution, but the current leadership has brought it alive with its presence felt in four counties including Sinoe, Gbarpolu, Lofa, and Nimba.
According to the National Chairman of the pro-democracy group, financial discipline is now instilled in LIBA with accountability to its members; furthering that with the present leadership LIBA has its own office space.
“Unlike the past when Liberian businesses appeared like domesticated animals without caretakers, LIBA has united them and can boast of having an umbrella organization that seeks their interest,” he opined.
Mr. Keita who tended to be political in his statement prior to presenting the certificate of honor noted, “What is lacking in many Liberians is upholding the principles of nationalism and patriotism,” something he said the current leadership under Kemayah has manifested in LIBA.
He indicated that since Liberia’s independence in 1847 the country has remained under developed because leaders in the public and private sectors have not been able to commit themselves to leadership principles that should shift the lives of Liberians.
He said because of lack of patriotism and nationalism in many Liberians who had been in leadership, it can be clearly seen that the country lacks roads and other basic infrastructures that would enhance economic growth.
Mr. Keita also used the occasion to commend the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia; Dr. J. Mills Jones for empowering Liberian businesses which he said came through credibility the leadership of LIBA has built in the public.
Responding, Mr. Kemayah said the honor is a manifestation that people watch one another and predicated upon it one is given what he/she deserves.
He said having checked the background of the organization awarding him, he was convinced that it has extended awards to many institutions and individuals for their services based on fair and honest evaluation, and on the basis of the principle and standard set, he and was accepting it not only with pride but with motivation to deliver what he can for the greater good of all Liberians under LIBA.
Mr. Kemayah also indicated that there can be no successful leadership without contributions from those working with the leader, and as such the award was for all LIBA’s executives and members whose collaborations and efforts are making the institution to grow as it is.
For her part, LIBA Secretary Leelai Kpukuyou said they LIBA leadership saw it as an opportunity to address and make a significant mark in Liberian indigenous businesses, noting, “Who shall do it for us if we ourselves don’t?”
Ms; Kpukuyou noted that if Liberians themselves do not work out their own problem, it will only bring retrogression in the social and economic fits, and in this vein they were working to unite Liberian businesses so that they can build up their economic values.
She described Kemayah as “Principle minded” individual who she noted is not sometimes easy to work with. “However, it is by his principle and strict leadership styles that LIBA have reached this peak to be what it is, and through it we are receiving this honor today,” she delightfully stressed.
