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| R/Gee Gets First Immigration Office As Ellen Breaks Ground For Sports Complex |
| Published on March 03, 2010 | Email To Friend Print Version
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By D Kaihenneh Sengbeh/River Gee
For the first time in its history, Liberia's newest, county, River Gee, now has a new immigration office.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf dedicated the structure Monday, March 1, 2010 in the county's capital, Fish Town, calling on immigration officials to maintain the edifice and use it for the purpose intended.
River Gee got a county status in the late 1990s during the regime of former President Charles Taylor.
Lack of several basic infrastructures including schools, health facilities, among others overwhelms the young and virgin forested county, though one of the poorest political subdivision of the country.
Close to Cote d'Ivoire, the less populated county is reportedly infested with illegal aliens engaged in business activities, necessitating the construction of the immigration office.
The sub Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) office was constructed under the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Quick Impact Project.
President Sirleaf lauded UNMIL for its numerous supports to the Liberian Government's development initiatives.
Making a brief statement at the dedicatory ceremony, Justice Minister Christiana Tah said the availability of the structure would enable the BIN to be effective in tracking down aliens who would want to illegally enter the country.
The Attorney General of Liberia said though Liberia needs partners to collaborate with in tackling development needs, the government would equally repel those who seek entry via criminal means.
“The country needs more foreign partners and investments, but those coming to partner with us must come in legally,” the minister noted and added, “We are not discouraging foreigners from coming here, but we are discouraging illegal entry.”
She said Liberians need people who will come and live freely with them through legal means.
Meanwhile, President Sirleaf has broken ground for the construction of a new sports stadium and youth center in Fish Town.
When completed, according to authorities, the complex and youth center would be used for many purposes including sporting competitions and youth empowerment programs.
The project, which cost has not been disclosed is situated on the outskirts of the expanding city on a 40-acre piece of land.
It is under the joint initiative of the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Youth and Sports, and youth of the county say they want to play this year's county sports competition on the complex, suggesting huge financial and time inputs.
Hundreds of jubilant youth chanting pro-Sirleaf songs, county officials and cabinet ministers graced the ground breaking program Monday.
President Sirleaf called on the people of the county, the youth in particular, to work hard to realize their dream of utilizing the complex and youth center as soon as possible.
President Sirleaf lauded the county for providing the land.
Youth and Sports Minister Edmonia Tarpeh, in brief remark, applauded the county authorities for providing the ideal location, but cautioned them to deed the site in the name of the county youth.
This, she said would protect the land and prevent people from claiming it in the future.
Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi woods who also formed part of the ceremony said the Ministry would fully collaborate in making the project a success.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Ministry's Yellow Machine moved in to begin work uprooting trees and clearing the area in the presence of the people and to the delight of euphoric citizens. By D Kaihenneh Sengbeh (traveling with the President) dakasen1978@yahoo.com/ 231 6 586 531
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